Nestled along the Rahue River in south-central Chile, Osorno’s city centre is lined with wooden houses and heritage sites. Visit an arts and crafts centre, admire an imposing cathedral or enjoy outdoor adventures in a national park.
Things to do in Osorno
Start your exploration of Osorno by browsing the craft stalls in Pueblito Artesanal de Osorno, where you can pick up handcrafted objects made of wool, leather and ceramic. Admire the historic buildings in the Plaza de Armas, then step inside San Mateo Cathedral to marvel at its neo-Gothic features, colourful mosaics and stained-glass windows.
Get a dose of culture at the Museo Historico Municipal, which showcases exhibits on the Mapuche culture and 19th-century German settlers. Browse archaeological and paleontological discoveries in the area, see a collection of objects from the Huilliche people and examine some of the regional artefacts and fossils.
Learn more about Osorno’s history at Fort Reina Luisa. Located on the bank of the Rahue River, the 18th-century landmark was built from cancagua rocks and named after King Charles V’s wife, Luisa.
For a day of adventure, head to Puyehue National Park to admire beautiful views of the valley of the Gol-Gol river, Puyehue volcano and the volcanic area of Caulle. Work up a sweat on a hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding excursion, then soak your weary muscles in the relaxing hot springs of the Caulle mountain range.
Getting around Osorno
You can fly into Cañal Bajo Carlos Hott Siebert Airport, located six kilometres away, or take an overnight bus from Santiago. The city centre is easy to explore on foot, but you will need a vehicle to venture further afield.